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A chemical called triclosan poses a health risk, as it is a toxic compound which can promote cancer. The most shocking thing is that triclosan is commonly found in everyday consumer goods such as antibacterial soaps, deodorants, body washes, creams, lotions, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, detergents, dishwashing liquids, and yes, mouthwash and toothpaste.

Toothpaste is supposed to help clean your teeth, but what it actually does just might horrify you. When tap water meets toothpaste, the triclosan reacts freely with the chlorine in the tap water to become chloroform (a chlorinated aromatic) and is similar to the dioxins found in the compound Agent Orange. It’s a chemical reaction occurring right in your mouth while you brush your teeth. And don’t think you are safe once you rinse it all out of your mouth: research shows that it can remain in your mouth after brushing for up to 12 hours, and can be easily absorbed into the tongue and through mucus into the body. (Children are at the greatest risk, as they tend to swallow their toothpaste more while brushing their teeth.)

“These products produce low levels of chloroform, but that adds up over time. The amount of gas formed is very low but I think the key thing is that we just don’t know what the effects are. However, manufacturers do have to list triclosan on their ingredients, so if consumers are worried the best advice is to avoid products with the chemical,” said Giles Watson, a toxicology expert.

Triclosan is officially a probably human carcinogen

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union currently regulate triclosan, and the Environmental Protection Agency classifies this substance as a probable human carcinogen.

Toothpaste manufacturers claim that triclosan is used because it helps to reduce plaque and kill bacteria, but it actually aids in gum damage and can cause mouth ulcers, say some health experts. These companies like the chemical because it allows them to state the product is a “99.9% bacteria killer” and make claims about the product being a “medicated formula.”

According to the chemical creator’s website, Ciba Specialty Chemicals “invented triclosan more than 35 years ago and in this long time of application without any adverse effects it has proven itself as the ‘aspirin’ of the antibacterial actives — helpful without side effects.

“The popularity of triclosan is a reflection of its unique combination of efficacy against almost all types of bacteria and safety to man and nature which with the currently known substances used cannot be surmounted.”

No good science supporting safety of triclosan

According to the American Medical Association: “Despite their recent proliferation in consumer products, the use of antimicrobial agents such as triclosan in consumer products has not been studied extensively. No data exist to support their efficacy when used in such products or any need for them…it may be prudent to avoid the use of antimicrobial agents in consumer products.”

The chemical company states: “Ciba supports the use of triclosan only if there is a benefit to human beings.”

So, what if it is shown to offer no benefit to humans? Will they pull it off the shelves now that evidence points to its danger from exposure? (Some toothpaste manufacturers, like Tom’s of Maine, specifically state that they do not contain triclosan.)

The widespread use of triclosan is now known to create the risk of breeding new, resistant superbugs that may be far more dangerous to human health than the original germs killed by triclosan in the first place. My advice to consumers is to avoid all products containing triclosan.

Action items

• Avoid all products that make “antibacterial” claims (unless they are using herbs to accomplish it).

• Be aware of the harmful environmental impact of consuming products containing triclosan. The ingredient is not only unhealthy for humans, it’s also unhealthy for the environment.

• Read the ingredients labels of all consumer products in order to make sure they do not contain triclosan.

The 3 main nasty chemicals found in nail polish? Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), and Toluene.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is typically used as a preservative, a sterilizer, and to embalm bodies. It’s also used in particle board and plywood because of its adhesive properties.

Though it is less commonly included in nail polish these days, formaldehyde is often added to nail hardeners, and many nail companies include nail hardeners in all of their colored polishes as an added bonus. Not a great bonus in my opinion, considering that formaldehyde has been connected to lung and nasal cancer, and is considered a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

So, while you probably aren’t going to develop cancer just because you painted your nails with a formaldehyde-containing polish (unless you drink or inhale the polish, which I’m going to have to advise against), I would still personally avoid any products containing this chemical – it’s just not worth the risk.

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

This chemical is used to make plastics that are extra-flexible; think shower curtains, rain boots, hairspray, and plastic wrap. Its goal in nail polish? To ward off cracks, chips, and all those other issues that make us cringe when they happen to our freshly-painted nails.

While DBP is not believed to be a carcinogen, it has been linked to reproductive issues if the mother is exposed to it while pregnant. While companies are still allowed to put it into products in the US (though it has been phased out by most major nail polish manufacturers), it has been banned for use in cosmetics by the European Union. That, to me, sends a clear message that this chemical is one to watch out for, and even though the US hasn’t banned it, it’s still a scary substance.

Toluene

Often included in polish to make it apply more smoothly, toluene is another scary chemical that can be found in many polishes. Nail polish isn’t its only application, though, it is also included in gasoline as an octane booster, and is also used as a raw material to create TNT.

Toluene has been known to affect the nervous system and to cause dizziness, headaches, eye irritation, nausea, birth defects, developmental abnormalities, and liver and kidney damage. I don’t know about you, but those potential side effects do not sound worth it to me. Again, this chemical has also been banned by the European Union, but not by the US.

Avoiding “The Big Three” with Suncoat Girl Nail Polish

SuncoatGirl water-based nail polishes are uniquely formulated by their chemists without using any of the following chemicals: Phthalate plasticizers, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Acetates, Alcohol, Glycol ethers, FD&C dyes.

Only water, acrylic copolymers and polyurethane (plastic), mineral-based pigments, plastic glitter* and carmine are in these nail polishes. Virtually odor-free. Releases water vapor when applied, not toxic chemical fumes. These water-based children’s nail polishes are truly the most natural nail polishes in the market place.

Did you know that what you put on your skin is absorbed directly into your bloodstream? This means that all those products we are putting on our baby are not necessarily safe and can actually be dangerous to their long term health. Studies show that some ingredients found in personal care products have an adverse affect on the fully developed adult endocrine and nervous systems.

We assume that the FDA regulates ingredients in baby products but in reality they do not regulate as we would hope. Baby toddler products are considered to be cosmetics and cosmetics are not subject to FDA approval. The only thing required of cosmetics companies by the FDA is proper labeling. If a cosmetic has a dangerous product in it, it is okay as long as the label clearly warns of this ingredient. Basically no one is regulating what is put in baby products so as parents we need to be vigilant.

Here are the top ingredients that should not be in any products that you use on your baby:

Fragrance (Parfum)

Sodium Laryl and Laureth Sulfate (SLS & SLES)

Parabens

Triclosan

Phthalates

Formaldehyde

Learn how to read labels, educate yourself and avoid such ingredients in the personal care and skin care products that you use.

Here at Willow & Sage, we believe in stocking brands that give you peace of mind when you select such products for you and your family.

One of such brands is Nature’s Baby Organics. Their products are made with the highest quality botanicals, essential oils, and luxurious moisturizers to pamper your baby’s tender hair and skin without drying. Free of parabens, SLS & propylene glycol.

Many mosquito repellents or sprays contain the chemical DEET, which I’m sure you’ve heard can be harmful to humans. Through long term exposure, when you spray it on your skin, it gets absorbed and eventually enters the bloodstream. It pumps through your nervous system and has been proven to kill brain cells, causing neurological damage. If you have heavy exposure to DEET, you may experience memory loss, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and shortness of breath.

So if you’re using a product containing DEET, follow the directions on the bottle. Don’t over-apply, and as soon as you go inside, wash your skin off with soap and water.

Look for insect repellents that are DEET-free. This is especially important for babies and kids as their skin is much thinner than ours.

Earth Mama Angel Baby was founded by nurse, herbalist, and concerned mother Melinda Olson. Her mission is to treat the common symptoms of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care with pure, safe herbal remedies. Her knowledge of traditional herb medicine combines with evidence based research to help soothe and comfort mamas and babies naturally. All Earth Mama Angel Baby® products and teas are formulated without harsh chemicals, toxins or preservatives, and have the best safety ratings in the exceptional Skin Deep toxicity database. Proudly pure, Earth Mama Angel Baby® products are made only with worry-free ingredients: no 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, or toxins of any kind. That’s Mama’s Promise™.

I am Teresa and it all started with my first baby and I got more aware of the harmful chemicals that we are using in our daily products and on our babies and ourselves.

Willow & Sage was then born. We strive to bring you quality baby and mummy products that are natural and safe. Along the way, we’ll also be bringing you environmentally friendly products as such cloth diapers and wet bags. Thank you for supporting eco friendly practices!